Hodges Named 2005 Morris K. Udall Scholar

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tory Hodges, a junior Bodenhamer Fellow from Alpena, Ark., has been named a recipient of a Morris K. Udall Scholarship. She joins 79 other students nationally as the 2005 class of Udall Scholars. Hodges is an honors agricultural business major in the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences. She is currently studying abroad at Oxford University.

“I was pleased, but not surprised, to learn that Ms. Hodges was named a Udall Scholar. A distinguishing criteria used in the selection process for Udall Scholars is the student’s commitment to environmental issues. That fits Tory like a glove,” said Chancellor John A. White. “She grew up on her family’s cattle farm in Northwest Arkansas, and that’s where her passion for the environment and its preservation developed. I know those experiences and that dedication will serve her well in her future academic endeavors.”

The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation awards 80 merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000 and 50 honorable mentions of $350 to college sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated outstanding potential and a commitment to pursuing careers related to the environment. The foundation also awards scholarships to Native American and Alaska Native college sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated outstanding potential and a commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or health care.

Among her scholastic honors, Hodges is a National Merit Scholar, a Coca-Cola Scholar, a Chevy Truck Scholar and a Governor's Distinguished Scholar. Her activities include serving as a past state president of the Arkansas Future Farmers of America and working as an intern for Congressman John Boozman and for state Sen. Randy Laverty. Hodges plans on attending law school and specializing in agricultural and environmental issues.

“Tory Hodges is an energetic, tough advocate for farmer's rights, for environmental cleanup initiatives, and for education,” said Suzanne McCray, associate dean of the Honor College. “She has a sharp mind that is supported by confidence and determination. She is a perfect match for the Udall Scholarship Program.”

“Studying politics at Oxford University this term, I have been able to focus on the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union and its contribution to the environment through agri-environment programs,” Hodges said. “The Udall Scholarship will help me use this experience as I pursue my career, never forgetting that environmental preservation is an international issue affecting everyone.”